Civic engagement and human rights matter
At the IAF, we believe that inclusive, democratic societies build stronger communities. When all individuals and groups—regardless of ability, gender, or identity—fully participate in economic, social, and political life, they contribute to stronger governance for their nation. Strong, democratic governments make good neighbors for the United States.
Participatory development has been core to our mission since our founding. We support community-led initiatives that ensure that excluded and marginalized populations have the access, skills, and resources they need to improve their livelihoods. These efforts to expand inclusive opportunities span across all development sectors, including enterprise development, civic engagement, and food security. Ultimately our goal is to encourage the establishment and growth of democratic institutions appropriate to countries where we work in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Talk about community-led development!
Recent News and Stories
Grassroots Businesses: A Virtual Artisan Fair
Over the past 50 years, the IAF has supported an incredible number of innovative and entrepreneurial groups with a common dream: transforming their lives and communities. Join us as we travel north to south through the region to see how agricultural producers and artisan groups have conquered the world with small IAF investments to grow their businesses.
Carrying the Load: A Haitian Grantee’s Tenacity through a Decade of Natural Disasters
From earthquakes to floods and now COVID-19, Haiti has been severely tested over the past few decades. Through it all, however, one thing remains constant—the resilience of the Haitian people.
Common(s) Knowledge: Grassroots Resource Governance
By sustainably harvesting forests, Mexican community organizations are stemming deforestation and ensuring opportunities for all people to thrive in their home communities.